Kiama's Brett Morris lauded among best ever after announcing retirement

The announcement comes after the 34-year-old suffered an ACL tear while playing for the Roosters in their round eight clash with the Knights.

While it is not the dream farewell Morris had been planning, he has previously expressed a desire to move into coaching and is optimistic for what the future holds.

"Not everybody gets to go out on their own terms, but looking back over my career, I've been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunities I've had, and I hang up the boots a very proud and content man, knowing that the time is right," Morris said.

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"There are many people who have played an important role in helping me in my career throughout the years, and I'd like to extend my thanks to them all, right back to my junior club the Kiama Knights.

"In the NRL, I've been fortunate to be coached by and to play with some of the game's best, and I'm grateful to all the coaches and teammates I've had over the years."

The Kiama junior is a member of one of the most famous rugby league families in the Illawarra, Brett and twin Josh the sons of former St George great Steve Morris.

The brothers burst on to the scene in the mid-2000s, Brett making his debut for the Dragons in round nine 2006.

He went on to play 169 games in the Red V, including the 2010 grand final victory, before moving to the Bulldogs in 2015.

A return to St George Illawarra beckoned in 2018, however the move did not eventuate, Morris joining the Roosters instead.

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The shift immediately proved successful, the winger collecting his second premiership ring with an outstanding performance in the 2019 decider.

"More recently, it's been an honour to wear the Sydney Roosters jersey and I will always be proud to have captained the side in what was my final match," Morris said.

"To Trent and the coaching and performance staff, I found a new lease on life here at the Roosters. Since I first walked through the door in late 2018, I have been challenged every day, but because of that, I've also had some of my most enjoyable memories on and off the footy field.

"To my current teammates, we're a tight group and it was a privilege every time I got to run out with you. To one teammate in particular, it was awesome to be able to start and finish my career with my brother Josh, and the memories we made are some I'll cherish forever."

On top of 276 NRL games, Morris also represented NSW 15 times and played in 18 Test matches for Australia. He is fourth on the list of all-time first grade try scorers.

Sydney coach Trent Robinson praised the experienced winger for his contribution to the sport as a whole and the impact he had on the Roosters during his three seasons with the club.

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"The way Brett has gone about playing the game throughout his career is testament to the incredible athlete and character that he is, and it's been a true honour to coach him," Robinson said.

"Brett is one of the best, if not the best, finishers in the history of our game, and it is important we acknowledge his achievements over the years; not only at Club level but also in the representative arena.

"Brett's professional approach to his training, playing and recovery is testament to the man he is. He is a man of integrity and has been a great mentor to his teammates, making those around him better, both on and off the field.

"Fairy tales take shape in different forms, and while Brett didn't get the end to his career he so richly deserved, an exciting new chapter is about to begin for him, and on behalf of the playing group and everyone at the Club, we wish Brett, Kate, Emily, Ellie and James all the very best."